Clonidine Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Clonidine
- abnormal heartbeats, either at dangerously high or low rates
- tightness in chest
- trouble breathing
- rapid weight gain
- hallucinating or feeling confused
- fever
- faintness or passing out
- difficulty urinating or not urinating at all
Common Side Effects of Clonidine
- feeling tired or dizzy
- blurry vision, or a dry, burning sensation of the eyes
- increased anxiety
- trouble sleeping
- nausea or throwing up
- changes in bowel movements including constipation
- headache
- joint or muscle aching
- minor rash
- decreased libido, inability to have sex (erectile dysfunction)
What Symptoms may be a Sign of Withdrawal?
Sudden termination of treatment using Clonidine may result in
withdrawal. Seek professional care if these symptoms occur:
- increased anxiety
- irritability
- extremely high blood pressure
- uncontrollable shaking or sweating
- upset stomach
- depression
- aching in the body
Warnings & Recalls for Clonidine
In
May 2012, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration released information stating that Clonidine
does pass through the placental barrier and can be passed through breast-milk. Clonidine is a
pregnancy Category C medicine. It is
unknown if using Clonidine during pregnancy or breatfeeding will harm the baby.
Let your doctor know if your are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant before taking
Clonidine.
Patients should
avoid drinking alcohol while taking Clonidine and take
extreme caution while operating machinery or vehicles, especially if you suffer from dizziness or impaired vision after taking Clonidine.
If you are planning on taking
Clonidine,
tell your doctor if you have:
- heart disease or coronary artery diseases or disorders
- kidney disease
- allergies to clonidine
- taken or are taking any neuroleptics
- depression
- diabetes
- allergies to Clonidine or other medicines for treating high blood pressure
- a history of heart attacks or strokes
Clonidine Treatment and Use
Clonidine | Catapres is a generic centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (a2-adrenergic agonist) class medicine which is used alone or in conjunction with other drugs to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). Clonidine can benefit patients by lowering blood pressure, decreasing nervousness, and decreasing heart rate.
Forms of Clonidine may also be prescribed to treat:
- ADHD in adolescents
- serious pain caused by cancer
- glaucoma
- some anxiety disorders.
In off-label uses, Clonidine has been shown to improve sleeping, reduce withdrawal symptoms after detox and relieve pain from menstrual cramps.
How does Clonidine Work?
Clonidine works by stimulating alpha-receptors to alter hormone levels in the blood. This causes blood vessels to relax and widen, allowing the heart to pump blood at a slower rate, a providing a more steady circulation of blood. Controlling the blood flow accounts for a healthier, more regular heartbeat which can reduce stress in patients.
Clonidine Dosage Information
Clonidine dose amounts and types vary in accordance to treatment type and patient characteristics. Take Clonidine as instructed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended amount and be sure to read all instructions carefully before beginning use of Clonidine.
Do not suddenly stop taking Clonidine. Take Clonidine only as prescribed; your doctor may instruct you to gradually stop using Clonidine to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. See “Side Effects” tab for more details about withdrawals.
